Awhile back, I wrote about some of our rules for screen time in our house. I’m sure that it was clear just from the fact that we have rules governing screen time, that we do not ban it altogether from the house. One of the reasons for this is because I would never get to shower or put the baby down for a nap or eat without it. I am not an advocate for using the tv to babysit my children, but let’s get real here- it is definitely helpful to let the kids watch a little Magic School Bus so Mommy can wash the dry shampoo out of her hair.
A major reason we don’t ban it though is because it would be throwing the baby out with the bath water. There are so many opportunities afforded with technology that my kids wouldn’t get elsewhere, and I appreciate the ability to use it to supplement my kids’ educations.
Using Technology with Kids as a Money Saver
Technology can be a major money saver. We use the Montessori method, which is absolutely fabulous. Buuut it can also be expensive. With our current budget, I limit myself to purchasing the essentials for math and language. There are tons of ways to DIY most practical life and even some sensory materials. But there are a couple of areas that I was sad we couldn’t do- like puzzle maps. They’re too large and too pricey for our little homeschool, but I love the lessons. I was thrilled to find Mobile Montessori, an app company that designs Montessori style apps. While it’s not the same as the full curriculum, it provides us with a poor man’s version of those lessons, and allows me to expose Gianna to some of the curriculum areas we can’t afford. We currently have a geography continents and oceans app and a parts of animals zoology app.
Another way we’ve found to save is by purchasing the early readers G uses in kindle format. Bob Books are half the price on kindle than they are on paperback, and I don’t have to worry about books getting lost or torn. That’s a win for me.
Using Technology with Kids for Research
Another way that we use technology in our homeschool is by using the internet to research answers to questions. I try to be intentional about modeling asking questions and searching for an answer. So if they ask a question I don’t know the answer to, we look it up. As they get older, my explanations of the process will get longer, as will my introductions to topics like looking for bias in sources and evaluating a source for quality and content. But for now, I’m trying to show them that a tablet or computer is for more than just games.
In the area of science in particular, I love being able to whip out a tablet at need. Yesterday I gave G an introduction lesson to the solar system. We looked at a graphic of the solar system while we discussed the planets and colored our own versions using construction paper and chalk as we went. Then we went to the Nasa for Kids website and looked at images of planets and stars.
Using Technology to Supplement Curriculum
I even like to supplement our religion with shows and talks for kids found on Formed. The archdiocese of Detroit purchased subscriptions for all of its parishes, and it has been a treasure trove of Catholic resources. It’s like a little Catholic Netflix. There are books, talks, led prayers, tv shows, and movies for all ages. My kids LOVE Brother Francis and Opus Joyous, and they vastly prefer the Divine Mercy Chaplet in Song on Formed to Mom’s terrible voice.
Using Technology for Listening
The final piece of our technology puzzle is books on tape. Mark and I both love to listen to books while we fall asleep or do chores. Gianna has come by her love of books honestly, and listening to a chapter book has become her favorite rest time activity. She’s currently listening through the Little House on the Prairie Books. We use Hoopla to check books out. Our library allows us 10 books a month, which is amazing. They have all genres and age ranges. We’ve really loved it.
Since our kids are still small, and aren’t really exposed to much outside of the home or the homes of their cousins. I’m sure it will get trickier as they get older, and I’m sure this is an area that we will need to stay vigilant.
For another perspective on online learning and homeschooling, check out Koala Mom, she’s got lots of resources!